Got my epidural shots today

38M, average athletic, done a half marathon and a 60mi bike ride. Mostly active but typical day is sedentary desk job.

Herniated disc in may 2023, (9 months ago). It appeared two days after i ran the last 9 miles of a 100km trail with a champ. Couple of days later woke up with major pain in the ass that wouldnt go away. Numbness down one leg. Couldnt sit for more than 5 minutes.

Did few rounds of chiro but didnt help. Went to see my PCP who said it is possibly herniation so lets do PT. (No MRI possible because insurance wants to see failed PT before approving MRI).

Did PT twice (1st therapist was bad, second was good) but not much benefit. Did an xray which came out normal.

Did MRI in november, it was a 6mm herniation in L4/L5 which caused ‘advanced stenosis’. Was referred to first orthopedic who only wanted to sell me surgery (promised id be running again within 4 months, hard to believe). Did not explain anything, in and out of office in 5 minutes.

Second orthopedic i saw in january who gave options for conservative surgery, epidural and surgery as last resort. So we scheduled the epidural which goes on both sides.

“dexAMETHasone (PF) (Decadron) for Chronic bilateral low back pain without sciatica; Spinal stenosis, lumbar region, with neurogenic claudication”

It was done using floroscopy. Easy 10 minute procedure. Only felt bad when the needle hit the nerve. I felt a pinch in my foot. But otherwise, it was an easy procedure.

Before the procedure, i mostly had pain in morning, while walking, and at night. Sometimes when i lift something it comes back. Basically quality of life was at 70%. Not the worst, unlivable situation.

This group was pretty helpful so i thought i’d contribute back.

Will post in coming days how this epidural performs.

Edit: Day 1: Magically, no pain. The doc said the steroids would start kicking in after a week but i work up pain free.

Day 2: Slight pain in side of buttocks, maybe around 2-3 but disappeared after a few minutes in the morning.

Day 7: the steroid wore off completely and I am back to original pain levels and triggers. :(

Hoping to talk to the doc to see if we can change the drug or the dose.